27. Functionalism

Functionalist Perspective

A perspective that views society as a system of interdependent parts, with each aspect contributing to the functioning and stability of society as a whole.

Émile Durkheim

A key proponent of the Functionalist Perspective who studied social cohesion and solidarity.

Social Consensus

The agreement among members of society on shared values, norms, and goals, allowing them to work together for the good of society as a whole.

Mechanical Solidarity

Unity in traditional societies based on shared beliefs, values, experiences, and common social bonds.

Organic Solidarity

Interdependence and social cohesion in modern societies resulting from diverse social roles, specialization, and mutual reliance.

Functionalism on Suicide

Durkheim's perspective that suicide rates are influenced not only by individual psychological factors but also by the social context and level of social integration and regulation in which individuals live.

Egoistic Suicide

Suicide associated with weak social integration, where individuals feel disconnected or detached from society and lack strong social ties or bonds.

Altruistic Suicide

Suicide associated with excessive social integration, where individuals are so strongly attached to a social group that they are willing to sacrifice their lives for it.

Anomic Suicide

Suicide associated with weak social regulation during periods of social upheaval, economic crisis, or rapid social change.

Fatalistic Suicide

Suicide associated with excessive social regulation, where individuals experience extreme oppression, constraint, or a lack of control over their lives.